The U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced in October the first food-waste-reduction goal for the United States, calling for a 50 percent reduction in food waste by 2030.
One of the most problematic side effects of food waste is its contribution to climate change. Decomposing food releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas. To avoid these harmful emissions, National Farmers Union's policy supports composting of food and organic-fiber waste, and the opening of markets for the sale and distribution of the composed products, especially for schools and other public institutions.